Helping Farmers To Be At The Top Of Their Game

Know-how worth having

Top Farmers Know-How is a reference library of industry best practice for some key animal health management areas. These management areas require real investment in time and money today to reach future goals.

Dry Cow Therapy

Want to increase herd health and milk quality next season? It's easy to assume that we're all drying cows off the most effective way, but going back and reviewing the basics can have benefits. At the end of the day, getting this right could add hugely to your stock health and milk yields.

How valuable is your herd to you? The success of your drying-off can depend on the overall health of the herd. Let’s look at some whole herd management tips, because getting this right could add hugely to your stock health and milk yields.

You gain from less mastitis. Because curing existing mastitis infections and preventing new infections is a huge part of dry-off, here’s a helpful guide reviewing antibiotic and teat-sealant application. Managing this well could add hugely to your stock health and milk yields.

How to get the most from your vet consult. There are some fundamental things you can do to maximise the value from your vet consultations. Here are some tips and suggestions for things to talk about the next time you see your vet. Ultimately, managing this well could add hugely to your stock health and milk yields.

Colostrum – one key ingredient to bolster the immature immune system of new-born calves. With around 1/3 of calves in New Zealand lacking good quality colostrum soon after birth... there are three Qs that provide a memorable framework for healthier calves.

Hydration and electrolyte management – two critical factors in preventing the on-set of scours. Here we cover some best practices, but also the tell-tale signs of scours... plus some effective responses. Ultimately every farm benefits from having healthier, more productive calves refreshing herds.

BVD

BVD infections can be disruptive and costly. Finding and controlling PI (Persistently Infected) stock on your farm is an essential start. Having clear and effective interventions in place, start with better understanding of the virus itself. To watch click the video keyframe provided.

BVD is widespread in New Zealand, with 95% of Dairy herds showing evidence of past exposure. Understanding the critical periods for intervention can be hugely helpful, plus knowing what your key targets and controls might be. To watch click the video keyframe provided.

With biosecurity as such a hot topic in the Dairy industry, knowing how to apply measures to prevent BVD infections will be a top priority. Here we share a 3-step biosecurity framework (IN/OUT/OVER) that will help prevent 'direct' and 'indirect' BVD stock contact on your farm. To watch click the video keyframe provided.